In the other code a ref can stop a game and order people away from the pitch and if they refuse to go the game can be abandoned.

Now there is little from RU that i wish to come into league but i'd very much like to see this for junior grade. Ref should stop tell them to do one and if they refuse game finishes and awarded to oppostition.

I though refs could send specators and coaches off? I've seen it happen in a game I played in.

justarugbyfan: Complain to the RFL, and BARLA about this. They should do something. At least have the club go through a touchline managers course and appoint touchline managers and act against the offending club if things don't improve.

We're all (well most) well behaved here

So lets say 'Team A' are playing 'Team B'

I'm the parent of a child of team A. We are getting flogged by Team B.

Whats to stop me claiming to be a parent of (or connected to) team B, verbally abusing the officials and getting the game awarded to my own side?

Propper touchline management by the hosting team

A RL referee also has the power to do this.

Yes, I've done it before. However it tends to just crank up the atmosphere a few more notches...

I have sympathy for touchline managers. They have enough trouble keeping their own people in check without having to handle aggressive idiots from the opposition, and possibly random individuals potentially unconnected with anybody.

So officials dont' use this power because they are afraid to up the ante?

No, but you have to gauge carefully when and where to use it.

In my opinion it should be used in anything U16. Zero tolerance simples

A colleague of mine took his son (age around 12 or so) to both the local League team and the Union team. He was appalled at the level of abuse from the touchline at the league game and the parents encouraging foul play on the pitch. That’s just one kid lost to our game, but it could well be many more

It needs to be resolved quickly

Quite right.

Tim2 you shouldnt let people walk all over you.

I agree. However all refs have to do it and all leagues have to back it up.

I'm not afraid to do it but once you start you are then expected to do the same to anybody from either side who says anything. You have enough to worry about on the field (remember player safety is paramount, not the ref's feelings).

It's very disconcerting when refs take a stand and then are not backed up by disciplinary action.

Man up a bit Tim.

If some parents give you a hard time use whatever powers are available to deal with it effectively.


If everyone in your position did then we wouldnt have the problems you have mentioned.

Perhaps you should give it a go. There is a shortage of refs!

Too bloody right you should do it to anyone on either side! as for safety surely people on touch line actively encouraging and praising foul play could cause a situation leading to a serious injury?

I'm too busy at weekends.

Me too now. I'm going to be washing my hair. Even though I haven't got any.

I think you all make good points - I reached the point today where I knew I had to escalate it, dish out some cards and write up reports or think, sod it I can't be bothered. When you reach that point, it's time to stop.

That's easier to say than to do. I've been at U16 games in the past where the ref has been chased from the pitch by "fans"/coaches/players of one side. I've also seen U16 games where the ref has been in his changing room with players of 1 team attempting to break down the door, fortunately he managed to leg it to his car.

It all stems from an incredibly aggressive and intimidating atmosphere that is allowed to develop at some clubs and which is never adequately challenged and punished by BARLA.

On the VT we often talk about how we expand the player pool that we can pick from. Getting rid of the ridiculous, backward, pathetic scenes like these at all levels of the amateur game is the best way we could "expand" rugby league.

Referee's should get rid of any idiots shouting foul and abusive language on the touchline, especially coaches. If it's the parents, then tell the coaches to sort them or else you'll abandon the game. Be strong with your words and strong with your actions.

If a referee feels it necessary to run away from a bunch of spotty school kids who probably haven't even started shaving yet then he really ought to find a more suitable hobby.

I would suggest curtain making, knitting or gardening.

I agree. It then needs to be followed with strong punishment from BARLA.

had two games called off this year due to abusive parents, this is first year i have taken a team and i was shocked how bad parents are, and i have found the coaches and touchline managers just as bad

lets not tarnish all parents,coaches and clubs with the same brush,the majority of parents are pretty good and well behaved.i coach at u11s and most games pass with no trouble at all however certain fixtures at certain clubs you just no that their will be tension and most often trouble,imo these clubs have been aloud to get away with it for far too long and thats not down to referee`s its higher up the chain who dont back up their officials with effty fines and bans.

refereeing is an awful job which the most of us wouldnt even entertain doing and they are prone to making errors the same has the players are,i take my hat off to them has they do a job which makes sure we have a game to watch in the first place.